City's Homeless Center Takes Step Forward

It's been tied up with lawsuits, permitting problems, and other surprises, but Gainesville's one-stop homeless center is starting to take some steps forward.

On Thursday the city's Development Review Board approved a plan to divide the parcel of land where the shelter would sit, so that no buildings would be built on wetlands and a floodplain.

The property, located near the corner of 53rd Avenue and US 441, has been at the center of a lawsuit.

"There are two other lawsuits, and there may be additional lawsuits, but the city commission has determined they are committed to this project, and has authorized my office to defend those lawsuits," said Marion Radson, City Attorney.

Nalbandian Properties' suit against the city was dismissed by a circuit judge on December 30. However the attorney representing the property owner says the fight is far from over.